The Mansion, Northwick Park, Blockley, Gloucestershire, GL56

AN EXCEPTIONAL SECOND-FLOOR APARTMENT IN A HISTORIC COUNTRY HOUSE WITH ELEVATED PARKLAND VIEWS.

5 The Mansion is approached through the grand reception room of the main house. The hall, designed by Lord Burlington, features a marble floor, an Inigo Jones–style ceiling and a fine pedimented Corinthian doorcase that opens into a circular inner hall with a cantilevered staircase by John Woolfe. From here, an impressive full-height gallery landing leads to the private entrance of Apartment No. 5, with the additional convenience of a secondary staircase and passenger lift.

The split-level accommodation is beautifully arranged, as shown on the accompanying floorplans. On entering, an attractive lobby opens into a magnificent double-aspect drawing room set within one of the distinctive bays on the south elevation. This substantial and striking space is enhanced by an open fireplace with a carved pine chimney piece. The accommodation continues with a grand dining room forming part of the main façade of the house, perfectly suited to formal entertaining and complete with its own open fire and a built-in antique mahogany china cupboard. A window provides direct access onto a decked gallery, offering valuable outside space with views from the stone balcony.

The well-appointed kitchen and breakfast room includes an extensive range of Shaker-style cupboards and drawers, polished granite work surfaces, a traditional ceramic sink and an array of integrated appliances. These include Electrolux twin dishwashers, a single oven, steam oven, extractor, coffee maker, wine chiller, a Fisher & Paykel gas range with double electric ovens and a Samsung American-style fridge/freezer with ice maker. A built-in breakfast bar creates the ideal setting for informal dining. Additional storage is provided by a utility cupboard with plumbing for a washing machine and space for a tumble dryer, together with a separate housekeeping cupboard housing the boiler.

A rear hall, with a useful guest cloakroom, leads to the north wing of the apartment where the bedroom and bathroom accommodation is situated. The spacious master bedroom enjoys a delightful double aspect with views of the clock tower at Burlington Court, and benefits from a dressing area and en suite bathroom. Two further charming double bedrooms, each with their own distinctive character, complement the arrangement. The accommodation is completed by a luxurious family bathroom with separate shower, twin pedestal wash hand basins, part-panelled walls and an airing cupboard.

Throughout the apartment, deep sash windows - some with window seats - combine with decorative cornicing, polished floorboards in selected rooms, deep skirtings and architraves, and traditional-style radiators. The rooms enjoy balanced proportions and many benefit from captivating views across the surrounding English parkland.

The splendid Jacobean mansion at Northwick Park is approached by a long drive and forms part of the original estate of Sir James Rushout, Member of Parliament for Evesham from 1661, and his descendants, Lord and Lady Northwick and, more recently, the Spencer-Churchills. The Grade I Listed mansion was built in 1686 in fine honey-coloured ashlar stone, typical of prime Cotswold houses.

The Mansion is reputed to have hosted a visit by Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton and later became the home of Sir Winston Churchill’s cousin, the late Edward Spencer Churchill. An additional wing was later added to house his renowned art collection. It is thought that Sir Winston Churchill was a frequent visitor, and it is believed that important D-Day planning sessions were held here with US General Patton.

The house and surrounding buildings underwent considerable restoration in 1989 when the mansion was converted into six beautifully proportioned apartments in the vernacular style. Other estate buildings, including The Orangery, The Coach House, The Gallery and The Stables, were also converted into individual houses and cottages. Together with the construction of additional high-quality dwellings, this has created a thriving Cotswold community.

Since 1989, Northwick Park has been the subject of a sympathetic and careful programme of restoration, involving the adaptation of the Grade I Listed mansion, stables, coach house and other estate buildings to form individual houses and cottages, along with the construction of a number of well-designed new homes in an attractive vernacular style.

The Mansion benefits from the communal facilities of the Northwick Park community, including 35 acres of parkland with a croquet lawn, four all-weather tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool with changing facilities, and 24-hour security. The property includes an excellent double en bloc garage within the grounds, and there is additional parking for residents and guests. Northwick Park also features a landscaped park laid out by William Emes in the late 18th century.

The estate extends to about 35 acres of managed gardens and grounds, which include hard tennis courts, a heated outdoor swimming pool and a croquet lawn. Northwick Park is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of the North Cotswolds, lying just one and a half miles from the picturesque village of Blockley, one of the largest villages in the North Cotswolds, nestling in a deep valley along Blockley Brook.

PROEPRTY INFORMATION:

Service charges: The Northwick Park service charge currently is £1,280 per quarter payable to Northwick Park Management Company, for the maintenance of parkland, gardens, swimming pool, croquet lawn, tennis courts and park lighting.
The Northwick Mansion service charge is currently £3,282.85 per quarter, which includes the current restoration plan.

Tenure: Freehold. Vacant possession on completion.

Fixtures and Fittings: All items described as fixtures and fittings are included in the sale. All other items are specifically excluded. Curtains and cross-arrow wall sconces in drawing room are not included.

Viewing: By appointment through Jackson-Stops Chipping Campden office.

Local Authority: Cotswold District Council.

Council Tax: Band G

Mobile & Internet: Mobile coverage is good with O2, EE, Three and Vodafone. Ultrafast broadband is available with download speeds of up to 1,800 Mbps and upload speeds of 1,000 Mbps (source: checker.ofcom.org.uk, 23 September 2025).

Services: Mains water, electricity and gas. Private drainage.